“Greek Media Weigh In on Anthony Martial’s AEK Athens Debut as Ex-Man Utd Forward Takes the Stage”

“Greek Media React to Anthony Martial’s AEK Athens Debut as Former Man Utd Star Seeks Redemption”

Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial made his competitive debut in Greek football on Sunday.

The Greek media has clearly expressed its opinions regarding Martial’s first appearance for AEK Athens. After signing with AEK in September when his Manchester United contract expired, the 28-year-old donned the number 26 shirt and agreed to a three-year deal lasting until the summer of 2027.

Martial was absent for AEK’s initial three matches as he worked to regain full fitness, having not participated in a competitive game for 10 months since his last season at United. He was named a substitute for AEK’s Greek Super League clash against PAOK on Sunday and entered the game for the final 16 minutes of the 1-1 draw.

During his time on the pitch, Martial only touched the ball four times, as AEK struggled to secure a winning goal after both teams scored in the first half. Some media outlets in Greece were critical of his performance. Journalist Kostas Kofinas, writing for The News, described it as “colourless and tasteless,” stating, “Martial played as a substitute for about 20 minutes, and his contribution can be described as colourless, odorless, and tasteless.”

Kofinas urged fans to be patient with Martial, noting that he had surprisingly not played in a friendly for AEK’s ‘B’ team during his recovery before being included in the senior squad. Upon his arrival in Greece, where he became the highest-paid player in the Greek Super League, eKathimerini remarked that he seemed like a player who “should have come to Greece at 38, not 28.” However, the report also mentioned that coach Mathias Almeyda would work with Martial to help him regain his form and remind the football world of his potential, emphasizing that the Frenchman is still only 28 years old.